CHEd: HEIs implementing ‘flexible learning’ can start classes in August

MANILA, Philippines – Higher education institutions (HEIs) that implement “flexible learning” can begin next academic year in August, the Higher Education Commission (CHEd) said Thursday.

“HEIs that use flexible learning can open in August 2020,” CHEd President Prospero De Vera III said at the Chamber’s higher education committee online hearing.

“Flexible learning,” according to De Vera, uses “digital and non-digital technology,” and “does not necessarily require connectivity.” An example is the use of national and community radio.

De Vera added that HEIs that fully utilize online learning can continue with their semesters during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) period.

“Because it is completely online, and therefore there is no problem of social distancing and others,” said De Vera.

Meanwhile, HEIs using “residential learning” or face-to-face learning may open in September or at a later date, under a modified ECQ, according to the head of CHEd.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the government placed “high risk” areas for virus transmission under ECQ, which suspended classes in those areas.

President Rodrigo Duterte has expanded the ECQ for Metro Manila, Central Luzon (except Aurora province), Calabarzon, Pangasinan, Benguet (including Baguio), as well as other parts of Visayas and Mindanao until May 15.

Meanwhile, some areas will already be under general quarantine of the community from May 1. This means that certain quarantine protocols will be facilitated in these areas.

As of Thursday, the Philippines had 8,488 cases of COVID-19, of which 1,043 recovered and 568 died.

KGA

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